All students, whether they be agnostic, atheist, or devout, are invited to pursue the academic study of religious traditions in the GW Department of Religion. Our courses promise a fascinating journey into the histories, beliefs, and practices of religious traditions from around the world. Under the guidance of exceptional faculty, students will explore how and why religious believers and institutions approach profound questions about the human condition and critically examine the role that religions have played in history, international affairs, and the arts.

We engage in vigorous discussions about religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Daoism, Hinduism, Judaism, shamanic traditions, Shinto rituals, and Sunni and Shi’ite Islam. With our diverse and interdisciplinary faculty, students develop critical thinking, writing, and communication skills that have successfully translated into graduate degrees from the world’s top universities and a variety of meaningful professional experiences. Whether studying ancient Hebrew script or analyzing modern religious conflicts, our students are prepared to meet today's challenges.